Photos

The Evolution of Queen of Latifah

Dana Elaine Owens - aka Queen Latifah - has evolved so much over the years. She kicked off her music career beat-boxing for the hip-hop group Ladies Fresh.

Photo: Getty Images

In 1989, Queen Latifah signed with Tommy Boy Records, and released her first album All Hail The Queen, when she was only 19!

Photo: FilmMagic

She released her second album Nature of a Sista in 1991.

Photo: Getty Images

Also in 1991, Queen Latifah made her way into a few acting roles with the movie Jungle Fever and House Party 2 and a guest appearance on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" opposite Will Smith!

Photo: WireImage

In high school Queen Latifah played power forward on her high school basketball team. She took her talents to the MTV Rock n Jock Basketball game in 1992.

Photo: FilmMagic

From 1993-1998, she starred in the TV show "Living Single," as her character Khadijah James.

Photo: Everett Collection

Don't you miss "Living Single?!" Bring back Khadijah!

Photo: Everett Collection

Throughout her "Living Single" days, Queen Latifah managed to released two more albums, Black Reign and Order in the Court.

Photo: WireImage

From 1999-2001 the Queen had her own talk show called "The Queen Latifah Show."

Photo: Everett Collection

In 2002 Queen Latifah played Matron 'Mama' Morton in the film Chicago.

Photo: Everett Collection

She was nominated for quite a few awards for her role in Chicago, including at the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress, and won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture!

Photo: WireImage

In 2003 the Queen particiated in VH1 Divas Duets: A Concert to Benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

Photo: WireImage

That same year she won Choice Movie Comedy Actress for Bringing Down The House at the Teen Choice Awards.

Photo: WireImage

In 2005, Queen Latifah starred in the movie Beauty Shop, as Gina Norris.

Photo: Everett Collection

A few years later in 2007, Queen Latifah made an appearance in the remake of the movie Hairspray, and was AMAZING.

Photo: Everett Collection

Motormouth Maybelle <3

Photo: Everett Collection

In 2008, she appeared alongside Diane Keaton and Katie Holmes in Mad Money.

Photo: Everett Collection

Continuing her successful acting career, in 2008 she also appeared in The Secret Life of Bees with Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning, and Alicia Keys!

Photo: Everett Collection

In 2010 she starred in the movie Just Wright with Common.

Photo: Everett Collection

In 2012, Queen Latifah appeared as M'Lynn in "Steel Magnolias."

Photo: WireImage

Here she is on stage wtih Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones during the Oscars this year.

Photo: WireImage

She returned to her musical roots this year when she performed with Tony Bennett during his 87th birthday celebration and fundraiser for Exploring the Arts. The organization was founded by Mr. Bennett and his wife Susan Benedetto.

Photo: Getty Images

She sure has come a long way since her beat-boxing days!

Photo: Getty Images

Queen Latifah recently appeared on "Late Show with David Letterman" ... her talk show is back y'all!

Photo: Getty Images

"The Queen Latifah Show" is BACK!!!

Photo: Everett Collection

After officiating 30-plus weddings during Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' performance of "Same Love" at the Grammys, Queen Latifah performs "America the Beautiful" during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Pregame Show at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.